Estimation of Tsunami Hazard Vulnerability Factors by Integrating Remote Sensing, GIS and AHP Based Assessment

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), image processing in remote sensing and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) were used to estimate and classify vulnerability and inundation areas under the Tohoku tsunami event 2011 in the Ishinomaki, Miyagi prefecture, Japan. Acceptable data were obtained from Geoeye-1 satellite image, GSI DEM and field survey. Five factors of elevation, slope, shoreline distance, river distance and vegetation were used to classify the vulnerability and be weighted via AHP. By assessing the estimated and classified vulnerability map and comparing it with the inundation map of the study area, we found that a 13.44 km2 area came under the tsunami vulnerability zone. Inundation areas were located in high and slightly high vulnerability classifications. Kitakami river and the Unga water canal played the role of flooding strips by transporting tsunami waves into the hinterland. This research is important to understand the roles of main topographical factors in a tsunami disaster.